Maynooth Local Market announces festive Christmas Market

Maynooth Local Market has announced two dates for its Christmas Market that will transform Court House Square into a festive wonderland. Building on the success of the weekly Saturday market, the Christmas Market will showcase the best of local talent and seasonal produce, and will run on Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14 from 10am to 5pm.

Attendees can expect to find a diverse range of eco-friendly, hand-made products such as candles, soaps, balms and bags from popular local vendors So Obsessed, GD Melts and Handicrafts. Visitors can also look forward to limited-edition Christmas cards and calendars by local artist Maura McDonnell and unique photographic prints by Skinny Pixels. Bloom Boutique will debut at the Christmas Market with fresh door wreaths, table centres and other floral gifts. A range of food options will be available from vendors such as Once Upon A Whisk (traybakes and cookies), Shafafa Micro-Bakery (bread and pastries), Fun Foods (pizza, crepes and more) and Orient Mini-Asia Market (selling packaged noodles and other Asian snacks). 

Since its inception in April 2024, Maynooth Local Market has become a thriving hub of local businesses, attracting hundreds of visitors to Court House Square each week. A recent survey of vendors revealed that 100% of respondents felt that participating in the market had positively impacted their business growth.

Local producers such as Dunne’s Farm Eggs and Donadea Organic Veg have cultivated a loyal customer base, with many returning each week for their fresh, high-quality products. The market has also helped many creatives and small business owners who are just starting out to reach a wider audience. One such business is Collie Flower Designs who sell handmade bandanas and bows for dogs.  

Founder and creator of Collie Flower Designs, Sinead Claxton said: "Maynooth Local Market has been an incredible platform for Collie Flower Designs. It's given me the opportunity to connect with the local community and share my passion for sustainable dog accessories, inspired by my own dog Zowie. Owning my own business is a dream come true, and the market community and amazing customers have helped me achieve things I never thought possible. Zowie and I are really looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Maynooth Christmas Market and sharing our special festive designs."

Speaking about the importance of supporting local businesses and vendors, Cllr. Peter Melrose, who is the Chair of the Maynooth Local Market Committee, said “Now more than ever, it's crucial to support our local businesses and vendors. As the festive season approaches, they all face increasing competition from multinational corporations and online retailers. By choosing to shop local, you’re not just buying a product; you're investing in our community. Every purchase made at Maynooth Local Market helps to sustain local makers, growers and creators, and contributes to the vibrancy of our town.”

Maynooth Christmas Market will feature live music from Comhaltas Maynooth, hot chocolate, seasonal treats and a dedicated Kids’ Zone.  For further information, follow @themaynoothlocalmarket on Facebook and Instagram.